Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Moscow, ID
Considering a move to Moscow, ID? With a vibrant population of 25,850 and a median home price around $393,000, Moscow blends affordable living with a lively college-town atmosphere. Enjoy short commute times (under 14 minutes), low violent crime (93 per 100K), and strong educational opportunities thanks to the University of Idaho. The area features four-season weather, friendly neighborhoods, and a community feel that makes it easy to settle in and thrive.
Demographics - Moscow, ID
Demographics - Moscow, ID
Moscow, Idaho, is home to about 25,850 residents, with a youthful median age of 25.2, reflecting its status as a vibrant college town. The majority of the population is White, but the city also welcomes a diverse mix of backgrounds, including Asian and Black communities, and about 10.5% speak a language other than English at home. High population density and a nearly even gender ratio contribute to a lively, inclusive atmosphere.
Population:
25,850
Density:
3,400 per sq mi
Median Age:
25.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
83.7%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
5.0%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Moscow, ID?
Moscow offers a cost of living slightly below the national average, with a cost of living index of 97.5. The median home value is approximately $393,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom is about $1,130, making housing relatively affordable compared to many college towns. Utilities and transportation costs are also lower than average, helping new residents balance expenses comfortably.
Median House Value:
$393,000
Gross Rent:
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$95
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,540
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$480
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
6.5%
Cost Of Living Index:
97.5
Grocery:
98.1
Housing:
94.3
Utilities:
88.7
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
97.4
Miscellaneous:
99.2
Crime
Is Moscow, ID a safe place to live?
Moscow is considered a safe community, with low violent crime rates—just 93 incidents per 100,000 people—and a property crime rate of 1,426 per 100,000. Residents have a 1 in 1,075 chance of being affected by violent crime, contributing to a strong sense of security. The city’s overall crime index suggests it’s a safe place to call home.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
93
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,426
Crime Index:
1,519
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,075
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Moscow, ID year-round?
Moscow experiences all four seasons, with cold winters (lows around 22°F) and warm summers (highs up to 82°F). The city receives about 26.5 inches of rainfall each year and enjoys sunshine nearly half the time. This climate offers residents a variety of outdoor activities year-round, from winter sports to summer hikes.

Winter
Min:
22°F
Max:
36°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
51°F
Max:
82°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
26.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Moscow’s community is close-knit, with a median household income of $53,500 and a family income of $78,200. The poverty rate is higher than the national average at 21.5%, but educational attainment is strong, with more than half of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. Commute times are short, averaging under 14 minutes, and public transportation is available for about 3.5% of residents.
Median Income:
$35,800
Household Income:
$53,500
Family Income:
$78,200
Per Capita Income:
$26,700
Income Male:
$39,200
Income Female:
$32,400
Poverty Rate:
21.5%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$1,130
Unemployment Rate:
3.1%
Public Transport Usage:
3.5%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.3%
Bachelors or More:
52.4%
Education
How are the schools in Moscow, ID?
Education is a cornerstone of Moscow, with well-regarded public schools like Moscow High School and Lena Whitmore Elementary, and an excellent student-teacher ratio around 15:1. The city is also home to the University of Idaho, with 11,500 students, and is just eight miles from Washington State University. A robust mix of public, private, and higher education opportunities attracts students and families alike.

Public Schools
Name:
Moscow High School
Street:
402 E 5th St
Phone:
208-882-2591
Students:
711
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.3
Name:
Lena Whitmore Elementary School
Street:
110 S Blaine St
Phone:
208-882-2621
Students:
290
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0

Private Schools
Name:
Logos School
Street:
110 Baker St
Phone:
208-882-1226
Students:
430

Colleges
Name:
University of Idaho
City:
Moscow
State:
ID
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
11,500
Name:
Washington State University
City:
Pullman
State:
WA
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
19,900
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, including Gritman Medical Center, which offers emergency and general care. With 2.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% of the population having health insurance, medical needs are well-supported locally. The healthcare index of 70.2 reflects reliable and accessible care in the area.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Gritman Medical Center
Address:
700 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843
Phone:
(208) 882-4511
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.5%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Moscow, ID?
Moscow’s housing market is moderately priced, with a median home price of $393,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,130. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% in the past year, and the owner-occupied rate stands at 37.5%, indicating a strong rental market. Low vacancy and foreclosure rates contribute to housing stability in the city.
Median Home Price:
$393,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate:
37.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles at 200 S Almon St, offering essential licensing and registration services. The office is easy to access, and additional resources are available through the Idaho DMV website. This makes vehicle-related tasks straightforward for newcomers and long-term residents alike.
State:
Idaho
Department:
Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
200 S Almon St #101, Moscow, ID 83843
Phone:
(208) 883-7211
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.